HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Yellow Silver stand out as popular choices. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and bouncy feel, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver offers a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. Both switches have their unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches both have nylon bottom housings, which provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the plastic. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. However, they differ in their top housings, with the Cloud - 63.5g featuring a nylon top housing and the Yellow Silver using a polycarbonate one. The polycarbonate top housing of the Yellow Silver produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Yellow Silver allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, providing a unique aesthetic appeal.
While both switches share similar qualities in their nylon bottom housings, the difference in their top housings leads to distinct sound profiles. The Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and clearer sound. When typing on the Cloud - 63.5g, the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the nylon bottom housing, while the sound upon key release will be impacted by the nylon top housing. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver's sound profile will be more noticeably affected by the polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a crisper and more resonant sound both during keypress and release.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches share similarities in their nylon bottom housing, the differences in their top housings make them unique in their sound profiles. The Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and clearer sound. These contrasting qualities make each switch suitable for different preferences, with the Cloud - 63.5g catering to those who prefer a rounder sound profile and the Yellow Silver appealing to those who prefer a crisper sound with the option for RGB lighting.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch differ in weight. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has a heavier actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, resulting in a medium-light feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Yellow Silver switch, enabling longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch for a more robust typing experience. Both switches offer different weight preferences, allowing users to choose based on their preferred typing style.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Yellow Silver. The Cloud - 63.5g's travel distance of 3.9 mm may provide a faster response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize quick reactions. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver's travel distance of 4 mm may offer a more traditional and deeper key press experience for users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, both switches offer unique travel distances that cater to different preferences, resulting in a diverse selection for keyboard enthusiasts.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
The Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, creating a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch provides a more neutral sound, suitable for a wide range of users and preferences. The sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used, so it's important to consider the entire setup when evaluating sound quality.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its bouncy and creamy typing sensation, offering a spring-like feedback and smooth keystrokes. In contrast, information about the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is not available at this time. However, based on the characteristics of a light actuation force and neutral sound profile, it can be inferred that the Yellow Silver switch may provide a light and responsive typing experience.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is ideal for enthusiasts seeking a bright and clacky typing experience with a silky smooth feel. In comparison, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch caters to gamers and typists looking for a speedy and responsive switch with a more neutral sound profile. Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual typing preferences and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you are someone who enjoys a bright and clacky sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Cloud - 63.5g switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a neutral sound profile that offers speediness and responsiveness, then the Outemu Yellow Silver switch would be the better option. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it is important to consider what you prioritize in a keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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